Leon Fleisher, the pianist on this album, received a set of 78s of Brahms' 1st piano concerto performed by his teacher Artur Schnabel when he was 12, which deeply inspired him.
Performer Biography
Leon Fleisher gradually resumed performing two-handed repertoire after receiving botulinus injections and working around his focal dystonia, releasing his first 'two-handed' recording in 2004.
Performer Biography
After his solo career ended, Leon Fleisher began a new career as a conductor and also performed works for the left hand, including the Ravel concerto.
Performer Biography
Leon Fleisher made his New York Philharmonic debut at age 16 in 1944, playing Brahms' 1st piano concerto, which is included in this set.
Performer Biography
Leon Fleisher's solo career was effectively ended in 1964 when he developed focal dystonia, causing his right hand's ring and little fingers to curl involuntarily.
Performer Biography
Artur Schnabel, a Viennese master and Fleisher's teacher, accepted the 9-year-old Fleisher as a student despite his usual insistence on not working with anyone under 16.
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